Build Your Own Dorade: Fresh Air Below, No Water Allowed

This DIY fix solves the sweltering cabin with battened hatches dilemma—let air in and keep every drop of water out.

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A plank of western red cedar dimensioned to 6 in. wide and roughly 1 in. thick—standard raw stock for most lumber suppliers—is the starting point for the dorade box.(Photo/ Roland Stockham)

Dorade vents are the best solution to keep the cabin fresh in bad weather or offshore. They let air in but keep water out in a way that nothing else does. When it gets rough, hatches need to be fully secured, including the main hatch. There are some mushroom style vents that will keep water out but the amount of air they let in is minimal compared to dorades.

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Roland Stockham got his start sailing Olympic-class 470s and Finns in his native England. He started his journey as a voyager crewing for yacht owners sailing to Europe because he was handy at diesel repair. His first cruising boat was a 26-ft. Folkboat with no engine. He lives in British Columbia and sails a 35-ft. Colin Archer design. He is a Royal Yachting Association certified Yacht Master and is qualified to make trans-oceanic deliveries.